Ruling Party MPs Gathered in Parliament

Newly elected lawmakers from the ruling National Movement Party, including Davit Bakradze, slated to be elected as new chairman of the legislative body, are already gathered inside the parliament chamber.

Meanwhile, a small group of opposition protesters are gathered outside the parliament.

President Saakashvili is expected to attend the inaugural session of the parliament scheduled for 10am local time.

“I do not see the large-scale rally which was announced by the opposition, only a hundred or so people are gathered,” Lasha Zhvania, a newly elected MP from the ruling party, told Imedi radio station. “The opposition would be better off entering Parliament.”

Police and parliamentary security are currently sealing off the legislative body’s entrance, preventing protesters from approaching.